Remote Connection to Windows XP

[KristienP]

I have an HMI for a pilot project that was supplied with a Windows XP computer. The internet is DHCP from ISP (not static). Typically we use TeamViewer (we own a license) but they no longer support Windows XP. Network security isn't a concern, as its a small stand alone demo application.

Couple questions:
1. No-IP is supported by the ISP's router, but doesn't want to register on the Windows XP machine. Is it not compatible with XP, or should I be using a different provider? One option is to use a dynamic DNS service to give the router a static address, and then Remote Desktop into the XP machine.
2. Is there another software solution that allows unattended access, similar to TeamViewer, that is compatible with Windows XP?

I'm going to site in a couple days to try and setup remote connection. So far I tried to guide someone over the phone to setup/troubleshoot, but that's clunky to do.

 

[Aabeck]

I have VNC Viewer/Server that according to their website supports XP/2000/Server2003

I use the free version limited to 5 computers and have had no problem with it other than it does NOT support file transfer. But I get around that by dragging the remote file into my OneDrive folder & it appears on my local computer automatically.

 

[PreLC]

DNS would definitely make it too complicated over the long run.
Maybe port forward the local IP address in the router, then every time you want support, ask the operator to open google on the browser and search "What's my IP address". This should give you something you can use VNC viewer with as suggested by Aabeck.

 

[sigmadelta]

Take a look here:

XP SP3 can handle V8 to V14... I would just use Teamviewer

https://community.teamviewer.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/Which-operating-systems-are-supported/ta-p/24141

 

[KristienP]

It needs to be unattended access. There won't be anyone on site to "find" the new IP address when its updated by the router.

 

[KristienP]

I have VNC Viewer/Server that according to their website supports XP/2000/Server2003

I've used a VNC server in the past. But that doesn't solve the issue of not having a static address, unless VNC Viewer is different from other VNC clients?

 

[Aabeck]

When you install VNC Server on the remote PC you add it to your account.

From home open VNC Viewer & it will show all your registered computers, click on the one you want & it finds it and connects, with a password prompt.

I have it on a laptop that I have left on at an installation connected to the customers network and been able to connect to it without issue.

 

[sigmadelta]

https://support.anydesk.com/Installation

 

[Maxkling]

Are you using a router? If so does it support DDNS?

Edit, just saw you mentioned it. Why don’t you go that route? It’s not terribly complicated to set up.

 

[JesperMP]

VNC® Connect is the latest version of our remote access software for personal and commercial use. It consists of a VNC® Server app for the computer you want to control, which must be licensed, and a VNC® Viewer app that you are free to download to all the devices you want to control from.

It seems that the licensing scheme is the opposite of Teamviewers.
The server side that is to be remotely controlled must be licensed. The viewer side, that is accessing the PC that is to be controlled, is free.
It is less optimal for us that has to support many customers.
In my company we need a few "viewers", but need many "servers" (or "hosts" in Teamviewer lingo).

But it is true that Teamviewer basically dumped users with Windows XP.
Is there a universal truth, that software companies that provide the best products at a reasonable price and best support, eventually turn greedy and unsupportive of their customers ?

 

[sigmadelta]

But it is true that Teamviewer basically dumped users with Windows XP.

Yes XP is not supported in their latest version V15. I'm still using V9, and it was updated April 20, 2020. I use it because the expensive corporate license was locked into V9 at the time of purchase, the upgrade was 90% of the price to buy it outright (pre-subscription), and I refuse to buy in to the monthly subscription model.

 

[JesperMP]

Yes XP is not supported in their latest version V15. I'm still using V9, and it was updated April 20, 2020. I use it because the expensive corporate license was locked into V9 at the time of purchase, the upgrade was 90% of the price to buy it outright (pre-subscription), and I refuse to buy in to the monthly subscription model.

That is interesting. I did not know that they continue to update older versions. We are currently locked in with the subscription scheme, and it is our IT dept. that handles that.
I wonder if I could fire up an old version on another computer, using the old non-subscription license number, and if that would be allowed by the installer (or of it checks and reports the license to be cancelled).

edit: This nonsense would not be necessary if Teamviewer let their software be backwards compatible. The lack of this I see as a way to nudge customers towards the subscription scheme.

 

[JesperMP]

@KristienP.
I have to mention that running an XP PC in 2020 and connecting it to the internet is very dangerous !
You really should investigate how to migrate it to Windows 10 (support for Windows 7 is also cancelled).

Network security isn't a concern,

It may get infected, and then just wait for someone to connect to it or plug a USB device into it.

 

[sigmadelta]

In case you want the proof...

(also I am running this in Windows 10)

 

[JesperMP]

In case you want the proof...

I believe you. My only concern is if I can still use the old license number.